OPENING NIGHT SHOWDOWN FOR OXFORD & BIRMINGHAM

The Sports Insure Premiership’s newest clubs Oxford and Birmingham face off on the opening night of the 2024 British top-flight season on Thursday, March 14.

Oxford, who recently announced Polish star Maciej Janowski as its new No.1, becomes the first club in history to compete in all three tiers of British speedway when the Spires – their newly-launched Premiership team – hosts the Brummies, who end their own 10-year absence from the top division.

The league’s opening night also features 2022 champions Belle Vue as they head to Leicester.

Reigning champions Sheffield Tigers launch their title defence with matches against the two new clubs. They kick off against Oxford at Owlerton on Thursday March 21, and they will also be the opponents in Birmingham’s first home meeting as the sides meet at Perry Barr on Monday March 25.

Elsewhere, defeated 2023 Grand Finalists Ipswich start with a repeat of last season’s play-off semi-final against Belle Vue on March 21. And their East Anglian rivals King’s Lynn travel to Leicester on March 21, before hosting the Lions at the Adrian Flux Arena on March 28.

Easter Monday (April 1) features Knockout Cup quarter final action at Belle Vue and Leicester, with the reverse fixtures at Sheffield and Ipswich taking place on April 4.

The semi-finals are scheduled for week commencing June 3, with the Final to take place in the week commencing September 2, prior to the Premiership play-offs over the following three weeks.

Premiership CEO Phil Morris is pleased to have been able to publish the fixture list so early in the off-season. He said: “This is the earliest the Premiership has ever issued its fixture list, and hopefully this will aid both riders and supporters with their planning for next season.

“I know supporters like to have this information as early as possible, and it’s also a benefit to the riders, who can properly organise their diary and travel arrangements.

“We have worked to avoid clashes with the dates for Grand Prix qualifiers and also England’s group games in Euro 2024, although those dates do of course remain available for clubs should they require them for re-arrangements.

“I think everyone is excited for the season ahead given the teams that are being constructed, and the issue of the fixture list makes it feel that little bit closer.

“With the dates now confirmed there’s a real anticipation for the new season and I’d urge supporters to back their clubs and purchase season tickets wherever possible.”

British Speedway Promoters Ltd have confirmed that fixtures for televised and live streamed meetings, along with the British Final, are expected to be available early in the New Year.

All Premiership fixtures for 2024 are now available here: https://britishspeedway.co.uk/calendar/2024-fixtures-results/